MSTA member service coordinators selected 28 candidates from among approximately 42,000 members to be recognized as the Unsung Heroes of MSTA for 2021. The award recognizes those who have made a substantive, yet previously unrecognized contribution to MSTA and its mission to advocate for and empower public educators so they can teach. These recipients are admired for their courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. Some factors of consideration for selecting these individuals may include the following: individual leadership style; understanding of MSTA’s mission; actions which reflect MSTA’s mission, commitment and follow through to the leadership role and CTA; service beyond the CTA to children, their school district, the community, or MSTA; interpersonal and communication skills; creative thinking and problem solving; and ability to handle crisis or extreme circumstances in their role as CTA leader.
Robin Coleman
School district: Northeast Vernon County R-1
School building: Northeast Vernon County Elementary
Subject: Librarian and Title 1
Years teaching: 16
Years in MSTA: 16
Roles in MSTA: Past CTA Secretary and President
Community activities: Reading Specialist at Cottey College for seven years, Cheer Coach for Jr High and Varsity for two years and scorekeeper for all home games for the past 15 years, wife to my husband for 36 years, mom to our nine children and grandmother to five...so far!
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I was first introduced to MSTA while in college at Joplin’s Missouri Southern State College (at that time). I joined as a student member of MSTA my sophomore year and became president of the Student MSTA organization during my last year. Our district has had 100 percent enrollment in MSTA in all the years I have been on staff. MSTA provides opportunities for staff and leaders through their conferences, and we appreciate the willingness of representatives to meet with our district teachers, administration and board members when questions and events necessitate their involvement.
What has been a recent win for you? A student I had in Title Services in first grade graduated as Salutatorian of her class!
What is one of your goals for 2022? My Goal for 2022 is a big one - and honestly, quite scary! Retirement!!! My husband and I plan to travel to our family, spread out from Alabama to Texas to Montana. I plan to be a frequent visitor in the district as a substitute.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Enjoy the ride, don’t take yourself too seriously and give time the chance to work wonders. Many of my students became successful adults, not through my efforts, but through the passage of time maturing those students as only time and experience can.
Lynda Offutt
School district: Lebanon R-3
School building: Lebanon Middle School
Grade level/subject: 8th social studies
Years teaching: 27
Years in MSTA: 22
Roles in MSTA: Member, delegate, membership chair
Community activities: Volunteer at Project 360 Youth Services, Heritage Baptist Church youth leader
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in MSTA to help empower and give teachers a voice. I enjoy professional development and being involved in learning about how policy is shaped.
What has been a recent win for you? I have excellent students to work with this year! I love working with middle school students.
What is one of your goals for 2022? Stay positive in all situations!
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Always be willing to learn and try new things. Change is hard, but you can do it!
Caitlin Spencer
School district: South Callaway Co. R-2
School building: Elementary and Middle School
Grade level/subject: 3 to 8, library
Years teaching: 13
Years in MSTA: 15
Roles in MSTA: Building representative, CTA Secretary, CTA President, Region PR committee, Region 2nd Vice President, Region 1st Vice President, Region President
Community activities: Children’s ministry team at church, Wednesday night church group and school librarian book club
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in college because I knew it was important for protection going into student teaching, but also for the resources and support MSTA provides new teachers.
What has been a recent win for you? When my 4th grade enrichment group was sad to leave because they were having so much fun learning to code Spheros.
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to implement a school wide “one read” program.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Ultimately, the most important thing in teaching is that a child has made growth from the first time they stepped into your classroom to the last time they walk out. Strive for growth for each child, not a score.
Adam Clark
School district: Dexter R-11
School building: Central Elementary School
Grade level/subject: Title I Reading Interventionist, Grades 3-5
Years teaching: This is my 20th year overall of working with children. My first nine were spent teaching pre-k in the Head Start program, followed by ten years teaching third grade. This is my first year teaching Title reading.
Years in MSTA: 13
Roles in MSTA: Dexter CTA Secretary/Reporter (ten years) and Legislative Chair (two years); presented at Leadership Conference (July 2019); represented MSTA on the DESE Acceleration of Learning Task Force (2020-2021)
Community activities: Regional leader for the Southeast district of Decoding Dyslexia Missouri, Vice President of the Dexter Friends of the Park Committee, member of Liberty Hill Church in Dexter, where I serve on the audio/visual team
Why did you get involved with MSTA? As a student, I saw one of my teachers wearing a t-shirt that said “MSTA – Teachers Care.” I asked her about it so she explained MSTA and told me a bit about its mission. I joined MSTA as a college student at my first opportunity and have never looked back!
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me has been watching a struggling student that I have worked with for two years finally finding her footing and beginning to turn her academic life around. She is finally developing the confidence and skills that she needs to not only survive but thrive in school. It is a wonderful feeling to see a child blossom after you have given them so much time, energy and effort!
What is one of your goals for 2022? I hope to grow into my new position as a Title I reading interventionist; I have a great team at my school supporting and encouraging me! I am also working through the first year of LETRS training. I’m looking forward to continuing to build my knowledge in the science of reading.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Listen to the veteran teachers on your team. They have a lot to teach you if you’ll just open your ears. Realize that you can’t fix every issue that every kid in your class faces overnight, but you can chip away at those issues little by little. Keep at it and you’ll look back on those efforts with pride at the end of the year. Learn to say ‘no’ to extra things when your plate is already overflowing. Oh – and learn something about dyslexia, it’s going to become a huge part of your life!
Becky Fisher
School district: Carrollton R-7
School building: Carrollton Middle School
Grade level/subject: 8th Grade Pre-Algebra/HS Algebra 1
Years teaching: 19
Years in MSTA: 19
Roles in MSTA: CTA Vice-President, current CTA President
Community activities: Children’s Ministry Director at First Baptist Church, volunteer at Birthright
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I love how MSTA supports the teaching profession with encouragement, grants and legal representation. MSTA displays a positive attitude and provides events to bring teachers together. I am a part of MSTA because teachers are valued and supported.
What has been a recent win for you? A win this year was when a student thanked me for making them work to earn their grade. I enjoy teaching math and it was a win for the student to recognize their hard work was paying off.
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals this school year is to get to know my students better. I want my students to know that they are important and valued.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself to not bring schoolwork home all the time, make sure students know you care about them and enjoy your job. Be supportive of your co-workers, plan a few weeks at time, allow flexibility and remember to prioritize your time with faith, family and career.
Barb Alber
School district: Shelby County R-4
School building: South Shelby Middle School
Grade level/subject: 7th and 8th Math
Years teaching: 23
Years in MSTA: 26
Roles in MSTA: CTA Vice-President, CTA President, Open Hearing Delegate, Convention Delegate
Community activities: Member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where I participate in various ministries like lectoring and Holy Communion Minister, member of Beta Sigma Phi and the 76ers Home Economics Group
Why did you get involved with MSTA? When I first began teaching, I was personally approached by a co-worker who invited me to a CTA meeting, and my involvement grew from there. After staying home with my son, I started teaching again. A teacher in my new district invited me to a CTA meeting, and I’ve been off and running since! Never doubt the power of a personal invitation.
What has been a recent win for you? Our middle school schedule was switched around this year, which moved some of my afternoon classes to the morning. This, in turn, freed up my last hour to offer alternate instructional strategies for students struggling in math. They come in during the last hour with their classroom teacher’s permission, and we go through lessons again - maybe in a different way. I have received more completed homework, on time, than any other previous year! It’s great!
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to put myself first and do some fun self-care activities! At the top of the list?? Go to Jupiter Florida to watch some St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training games during Spring Break in March!
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Not everything has to be done today. Make a plan. Prioritize. Give yourself plenty of time to finish projects or plans.
Nancy Studzinski
School District: Plato R-5
School Building: Elementary
Grade Level/Subject: K-5 Guidance
Years Counseling: 34
Years in MSTA: 19
Roles in MSTA: I have been the CTA Secretary at Plato for 5 years
Community activities: Coordinator for holiday food drives, the angel tree program, Shop with a Hero, the Great Kindness Challenge, various Student Council activities, fundraising activities for CTA
Why did you get involved with MSTA? To support teachers in my district - I am a counselor and have had the privilege of working with teachers for the past 34 years. Teachers are truly our unsung heroes; they have one of the toughest imaginable. They not only teach, but they act as parents, nurses, counselors and mentors every day. I wanted to be a part of and support an organization that was created to benefit teachers.
What has been a recent win for you? When school was closed due to Covid and we were all at home trying to support our students and families in whatever ways we could, the USDA food grant became available to provide food to families and our school took action. A few days each month, our teachers and staff came together - some groups sorting and loading food into boxes for our families, others loading the boxes into our school buses and delivering the food to our families. That was a time of great unity among our staff with genuine care and concern for our community. It made me so proud to be a part of my community.
What is one of your goals for 2022? To keep supporting our students and staff, making them aware of the importance of self-care. To help people in our school and community understand that it’s okay to ask for help and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and counseling.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year counselor? You can’t save everyone, but you can plant seeds everywhere you go. Children and adults may not be ready for help, but you can offer support, listen and be there when and if they need you.
Dr. Jill Blue
School district: Rolla 31
School building: Wyman Elementary
Grade level/subject: ECSE
Years teaching: 21
Years in MSTA: 21
Roles in MSTA: CTA President, South Central President-Elect
Why did you get involved with MSTA? A coworker asked me to go to MSTA’s convention as a delegate. I’ve been back every year since.
What has been a recent win for you? Implementing hybrid CTA meetings to increase participation. Our CTA has created a google classroom to share more information with a link for each member to attend the CTA meeting either in person or virtually.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I would like to see increased participation at the regional level.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Invest in yourself and your future first. Take time for yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. You will have an amazing retirement plan, but start a separate investment account and contribute to it every month. It will pay off when you are ready to retire.
Christine Smith
School district: Oak Grove R-6
School building: Central Office
Grade level/subject: Assistant Technology Director-Curriculum (8 years), Elementary 3-5 Technology (6 years), Middle School 6-8 Technology (3 years)
Years teaching: 17
Years in MSTA: 14
Roles in MSTA: Although I have not officially held a role with MSTA, I am a proud supporter of our CTA and MSTA leadership team.
Community activities: Volunteer at Owl Hollow Farms mentoring kids with equine therapy
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I’ve always believed it is important to belong to organizations like MSTA in your professional career. It is great to be supported by such a strong group of people at MSTA and they provide us with so many resources that help in the classroom. I also appreciate that they help keep us informed and represent us at our local and state levels to provide a voice to teachers in the classroom.
What has been a recent win for you? We have faced hopefully, the most stressful few years of our teaching career during the COVID pandemic, and my biggest win I would say is knowing that our teachers in our district felt supported by our technology department and were able to use so many of the resources that we put together for them to help them make it through. It was stressful and exhausting for our teachers, administrators, and our department, but knowing that we were a resource that helped them through was a win for me personally.
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to continue to be a resource for our staff members, to get organized again...and to get more sleep!
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Take time to enjoy the little things each day. Teachers work so hard at getting everything taken care of for their students and fellow staff members that some of the joy of why you are there gets lost in the stress of the day. Try to be present in the moment and take some time to just enjoy your kids. Also, you will learn as much from your students as they will learn from you so get to know them... you will miss them when they move on!
Susie Compton
School district: Springfield R-12
School building: Harry S. Truman Elementary
Grade level/subject: 3rd currently (previously 4th, 1st/2nd split, 2nd and 3rd)
Years teaching: 26 as a teacher, 6.9 as a SPED Para
Years in MSTA: 28
Roles in MSTA: For the Springfield CTA: Building Representative, Springfield Delegate to Region and State, Elementary Rep, Secretary, Treasurer, President; For the Southwest Region: Member-at-Large, Vice-President, President-Elect, President; For the State: Education Policy and AB&R committees, Election Judge, Presenter at Leadership Conference
Community activities: Hamlin Baptist Church: Nursery worker, youth worker, choir member, Personnel Committee member, Church Camp volunteer
Why did you get involved with MSTA? A couple of years after I started working for Springfield Public Schools as a SPED paraprofessional, I was told I would have to catheterize a student without training. I initially joined MSTA for the liability insurance, at the prompting of my husband and sister-in-law. Fast forward a few years. I had just completed my B.S. in Elementary Education in December. Springfield Public Schools initiated permanent substitute teachers and I was selected as one of the substitutes for the remainder of the school year. Then my first teaching assignment was to job-share with the Springfield MSTA President. Ironically, that was the last year of half day kindergarten in Springfield. My son went to kindergarten in the afternoons - the same time I worked with the Springfield MSTA President, Kathy Jolovich. The rest is history! Serving my CTA, Region and State MSTA has truly been an honor and a blessing. Being an advocate for my colleagues and students is a challenge I do not take lightly. My heart’s desire is to help my peers become servant leaders.
What has been a recent win for you? Never in my wildest dreams would I have suspected that when we left for spring break in 2020 that I would not have my students seated in class again. Zoom became the norm. Some of my students never attended virtual school due to family work schedules and student day care options. The weight of not knowing whether or not they were ok was daunting. I refused to let the pandemic keep me from seeing my students one last time. I contacted parents and arranged times to deliver two books to each of my students, so I could see them and give them air hugs (we did maintain social distancing). Helping my students become lifelong learners is important to me. Teaching a student to read is a first and foremost priority. This is one way I could ensure that each child would have two books to call their own.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I would love to see my students' faces again! It has been a long stretch since March 2019. The students have been troopers. It is my sincere hope and desire that conditions at school are safe enough for me to see my students’ faces without masks before I retire at the end of this year! A sidebar goal is to have an influx of members join MSTA in our spring membership drive.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t sweat the small stuff! Make sure that your students and your family know that you love them unconditionally. Give yourself grace. Don’t be afraid to let your students see you make mistakes, everyone does, teachers included. Finally, as Louise Icenhower (a mentor from my church) once told me, “If it won’t matter in a hundred years, then it does not matter at all.”
Julia Barbarick
School district: Drexel R-4
School building: Drexel R-4
Grade level/subject: 4-6th Grade ELA
Years teaching: 11
Years in MSTA: 11
Roles in MSTA: I am currently the President
of our local CTA, former Treasurer
Community activities: Preschool Sunday school teacher at my church, I also help out with school functions and take my three kids to many sporting events and help out with those, Girl Scouts volunteer
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved with MSTA early on as a student-teacher. I continued my membership throughout the years because MSTA gives me a voice.
What has been a recent win for you? A win for me is being able to be at school and in person. I am grateful that we can enjoy this year together.
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to slow down a little bit.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself to not try to do everything. Take your time and listen to the veteran teachers. They are your biggest support. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself.
Noelle Horner
School district: Hillsboro R-3
School building: Intermediate
Grade level/subject: 5th Math and Social Studies
Years teaching: 21
Years in MSTA: 11 in March
Roles in MSTA: CTA secretary, Vice President and President; Region Vice President, President-Elect and President; AB&R Committee; MSTA Board of Directors
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved in MSTA because I wanted to be part of an organization that puts students at the forefront of every belief, decision and action.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me was when one of my teammates told me that her students were stronger than they have ever been in the area of mathematics because I was their math teacher.
What is one of your goals for 2022? In the classroom, my #1 academic goal is that my 65+ students will know their math facts when they leave at the end of the year. In regard to building relationships with my students, my goal this year is to help them become their own strongest advocates.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself that it is okay to admit when you are wrong. Take to heart the lessons you learn when you make mistakes because everyone makes mistakes and those are some of the best life lessons to be learned.
Charlotte “Charley” Crimi
School district: Trenton R-4
School building: Trenton Middle School
Grade level/subject: 5th-8th Computers
Years teaching: 22
Years in MSTA: 10
Roles in MSTA: CTA President, will be serving on NWR board of directors this summer
Community activities: Local church and quilting group, volunteer with Life Options of Green Hills crisis pregnancy center
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I saw things happening that I wanted to change. I believe that you’re either part of the problem or you’re part of the solution. I wanted to be part of the solution. That meant I needed to get involved.
What has been a recent win for you? Our CTA hosted a public forum with candidates running for open school board positions. We had good community involvement and positive local news media coverage. Our Member Service Coordinator was helpful in the planning and served as our moderator for the event.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I would like to increase our membership involvement, not just our membership numbers. I want to create an environment that encourages members to play a role in the changes that take place in our schools.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself the same grace you give others. Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Gina Smith
School district: Kirksville R-3
School building: Ray Miller Elementary
Grade level/subject: 5th
Years teaching: 35
Years in MSTA: 33
Roles in MSTA: Regional Public Relations Committee member, CTA President, Co-President, historian
Community activities: Church Bible School teacher, member of Delta Kappa Gamma
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I became involved with MSTA because of its strong support for Missouri teachers and students. MSTA has been, and continues to be, a voice in Jefferson City in getting legislation passed that supports our state’s teachers and students.
What has been a recent win for you? It is hard to pick, but the one that touches my heart is that of a former student who stopped by my classroom to let me know how I inspired him to be better and possibly go into the field of education.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I am always looking for ways to connect with my students and grow in my teaching. A big goal for me is to try to keep up with the new technology.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t lose yourself in your work. Remember to take care of yourself and enjoy the students. It’s hard work with long hours, but seeing that one light bulb come on makes it so worth it.
Haley Pirtle
School district: Central R-3
School building: Central Middle School
Grade level/subject: 6th Grade Science
Years teaching: 5
Years in MSTA: 4
Roles in MSTA: Building representative, delegate and currently serve as CTA President
Community activities: Various Chambers of Commerce and other community improvement teams, President of an area Downtown Development Association
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I chose to get involved with MSTA because of their backing and guidance for teachers.
What has been a recent win for you? Student growth - especially when dealing with all of the impacts of Covid in our classrooms! Focusing on what I can control and moving forward.
What is one of your goals for 2022? To get back to work on my master’s degree.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t be scared to try new things and fail. Learn from your mistakes (just like you encourage your students to do) and move forward. Don’t compare yourself to other teachers. Just be who you are meant to be in the classroom and for your students.
Jeremy Booth
School district: Louisiana R-2
School building: Louisiana Elementary School
Grade level/subject: K-5th STEM
Years teaching: 23
Years in MSTA: 23
Roles in MSTA: District Representative
Community activities: Friends of the Louisiana Public Library
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in MSTA because I like that it supports the educators in Missouri. They are an active presence both locally and at the state-level.
What has been a recent win for you? My recent win has been moving to and helping create the K-5th STEM program. Creating wonder for students and watching them become critical thinkers and problem-solvers gives me great fulfillment.
What is one of your goals for 2022? My goal for 2022 is to stay healthy, get healthier and live life to the fullest!
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Remember that teaching and learning is a process. Take deep breath, relax, and enjoy the process!
Cathy Schultz
School district: Mehlville R-9
School building: Buerkle Middle School
Grade level/subject: 6th-8th Technology Literacy
Years teaching: 26
Years in MSTA: 25
Roles in MSTA: GSLTA president, GSLTA treasurer, Mehlville CTA President, Bunker Hill committee and a couple other previous committees
Community activities: Student Council Advisor, Character in Action Advisor, Volunteer for: Midwest Disabled Water Ski Association, Variety Club Family Council, Waypoint Kidz Special buddy organizer
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I joined because I didn’t want my hard-earned money going to some of the things other organizations give to. But I quickly realized that this IS the place for me. From the first leadership training at Bunker Hill until now, has MSTA represented me. I love going to events and seeing my people. Even with my quirks, MSTA people love me and help me be a better me.
What has been a recent win for you? Due to the pandemic, we’ve had to completely redo how we do EVERYTHING. But it’s coming along well. We just held our STL area conference & my kids led others in workshops. They did well! We are getting the hang of it. It’s a new world, but we are doing it.
What is one of your goals for 2022? My special needs daughter is graduating soon. So, a personal goal is to have post education plans for her. In my classes, my goal is to help the other technology literacy teachers come up with a rockin’ curriculum. Within MSTA, my number one goal is for me to locate and begin training potential leaders that will carry on when I retire (even though I have a few years).
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Stay strong! You were created and equipped for such a time as this. You are going to get stronger and help so many people.
Phillip Hodges
School district: Fort Osage R-1
School building: Fort Osage High School
Grade level/subject: 9th-12th Computer Science
Years teaching: 14
Years in MSTA: 4
Roles in MSTA: CTA Building Rep, CTA President
Community activities: Tennis Coach, Computer Science club, Club Soccer Coach, Percussionist in local orchestra, piano player at church
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I belonged to another organization until my friend (Nate Smith) asked me to join so we could hang out at convention.
What has been a recent win for you? Knowing my worth and having a better mindset has been a big win for me. I had a lot of events that caused me distress in the 2020-21 school year. This school year, I have been able to filter out the noise and focus on what is truly important - the students.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I want to help the transition to real-world learning. I want to help students, parents and teachers figure out which skills are needed to be successful after graduation. We can then take these skills and develop courses around these skills rather than our traditional curriculum.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? It was the struggle of my first few years of teaching that made me the teacher I am today. The struggle of prioritizing the need to get through curriculum, keeping the class orderly and trying to know and make a difference in my students’ lives. By this struggle, I developed my personal teaching philosophy of putting students first. I valued my struggle (of course not at the time) just like I value my students’ struggles. It is when we conquer this struggle that we value our success and grow even more. In short, I guess my advice would be to embrace the struggle and growth.
Amy Phillips
School district: Lee’s Summit R-7
School building: Prairie View Elementary
Grade level/subject: Special Education - CLASS Program
Years teaching: 17
Years in MSTA: 17
Roles in MSTA: CTA President, CTA Vice President, CTA delegate
Community activities: Special Olympics: Track & Field Coach for LSR-7, volunteer for state events and Polar Plunger; member of the Pin Oak Baptist Church in Mt. Sterling, MO
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I initially got involved in MSTA at the advice of a veteran teacher and the draw of MSTA’s benefits. Through the years, I attended conventions as a delegate and came to see all of the wonderful things MSTA does for teachers and public education. Over the past few years, I have increased my involvement at the local level by sitting on our executive board as the Vice-President and now as President. I got involved in this capacity to help give a voice to my local colleagues within my own district, as well as at the region and state level.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me has been seeing the success of my students in the specialized instruction program I teach. We are seeing a decrease in behaviors because they are learning to use their “voice” and developing the language needed to communicate with those around them. Not only is this a win at school, but also at home!
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to advocate for my students moving onto middle school by making sure our programs are set up to accommodate the needs of my students by continuing what we have worked so hard to develop at the elementary level.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell my first-year self that relationship building is the most important part of teaching and to give yourself grace for all of the things you feel like you do wrong. Your students are going to respect you for being the «mean» teacher and holding them accountable (because the world isn›t always fair to individuals with disabilities) but because of the high standards you set for your students, they will become amazing humans who are able to contribute in society!
Felicia Aikens
School district: Junction Hill C-12
School building: Junction Hill
Grade level/subject: 6-8th social studies
Years teaching: 9
Years in MSTA: 9
Roles in MSTA: CTA Vice President
Community activities: I love participating in fundraisers at school. In January, we have Jeans for St. Judes along with a Spirit Week to get students involved in raising money for St. Judes. Despite COVID, our little school raised $3,186.95. Then, in March, we have Jeans for School supplies. We have successfully raised enough money to purchase school supplies for every student in our district for the last several years.
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I have been involved in MSTA since I was a college student and engaged in SMSTA. The first perk to MSTA that drew me in was the liability insurance, but once I became a CTA member my eyes were opened to all that MSTA offers. MSTA gives educators a voice and has an active role in education policies. Member Service Coordinators are provided to the districts and are easily accessible. The professional development that is offered is of high quality. Another perk to MSTA is all of the discounts offered to educators.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win for me was completing my master’s degree.
What is one of your goals for 2022? I want to continue to evolve as an educator. I am constantly asking myself and researching how I can make my lessons and classroom a better learning environment.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Please don’t take the papers home to grade; they will be there tomorrow. It’s okay if your lesson doesn’t go as you had planned, you will learn how to make it better. Be prepared; your students will become your family, and with that will come many emotions. Breathe and make yourself a priority.
Stephanie Smith
School district: Junction Hill C-12
School building: Junction Hill Elementary
Grade level/subject: Pre-K through 8th librarian
Years teaching: 25+
Years in MSTA: 28
Roles in MSTA: Friends of Bunker Hill board member
Community activities: School food drive benefitting Junction Hill families, Jeans for Jingles raising money for Christmas presents for Junction Hill families, St. Jude fundraising activities
Why did you get involved with MSTA? At first, mainly for the advocacy and liability protection. Later, for those same reasons plus the camaraderie with other educators.
What has been a recent win for you? Being able to file my retirement papers and submit my letter of intent to retire to the school board.
What is one of your goals for 2022? To finish out my final year of teaching with a smile on my face.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t try to do it all. Focus on the most important stuff.
Erica Coats
School district: Braymer C-4
School building: High School
Grade level/subject: 8th-12th Social Studies
Years teaching: 7
Years in MSTA: 7
Roles in MSTA: Braymer CTA president for 4 years
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I want to be a voice for the educators in my building.
What has been a recent win for you? We have had an increased involvement with teachers attending CTA meetings.
What is one of your goals for 2022? Improve community support for our teachers.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t try to do everything and give yourself grace.
Linda Uselmann
School District: Webb City R-7
School Building: Webb City High School
Grade level/subject: 9-12 Social Studies/
History, Sponsor History Club and Young Republican Club
Years Teaching: 18 years
Years in MSTA: 18 years
Roles in MSTA: Alternated between CTA President and Vice President since 2008, Legislative Committee Chairperson (2008-present), Salary/Welfare Committee (2008-present)
Community Activities: Member Crossroads Baptist Church Carthage, Republican Women of Jasper County (President), Southwest Missouri Conservative Network (Executive Board), Jasper County Republican Central Committee (Chairwoman)
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I got involved in MSTA because I believe that as professionals we need to work/associate with other professionals to help education in Missouri to be the best it can be. I appreciate the liability and legal protection, but I also know that it is in an association like MSTA that we have the greatest voice to influence our legislators and the community. I chose MSTA because it is the reasonable voice for Missouri educators. I like how MSTA includes everyone in education, not just the teachers. MSTA unites the educational community and does not divide the community. Together we can do so much more than we can separately.
What has been a recent win for you? The most recent win for me has been a win for our district. Previously, we would only have the incumbents running for re-election. The last two elections we have had several people run for the school board. Therefore, as chairperson of the Legislative Committee, two years ago and this past year I was able to organize a School Board Forum. This has been well received in the community. Our CTA did an excellent job setting the foundation for future forums. I look forward to this being a regular event in future elections.
What is one of your goals for 2022? My goal is to help others see how they can participate in our CTA and have a voice in their community. It is not about me, it is about helping each person see where he/she can positively participate in our community and continue to make education in Webb City and Missouri the best for our students.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a first-year teacher? The advice I would give myself as a first year-teacher would be to have confidence in yourself and your ideas. Remember nothing ventured, nothing gained. For all you know someone is waiting for you to take that first step to encourage him/her to step out and follow you. For example, when I first started working in Webb City our district had stopped attending MSTA’s Capitol Days in Jefferson City. When I became CTA President, I asked for us to be able to attend Capitol Days. Dr. Lankford graciously gave us permission to attend. If I had never asked, we would not have been able to attend. The CTA members who have attended Capitol Days were encouraged to attend the next year. They realized they could have a voice and advocate for education in our government.
Denise Peters
School district: Saint Joseph
School building: Skaith Elementary
Grade level/subject: 2nd
Years teaching: 7
Years in MSTA: 7
Roles in MSTA: Skaith Building Representative, CTA President-Elect, CTA President, St. Joseph Region President, St. Joseph Region Past President
Community activities: Insurance/Benefits Committee, Mask Ad-Hoc Committee
Why did you get involved with MSTA? I grew up going to MSTA Conventions with my best friend’s mom. I was always so amazed at these professionals’ dedication to their students that they would give up their time in this way to their students. I was a member of SMSTA in college and happily joined SMSTA my first year of college and dove into being involved.
What has been a recent win for you? A recent win has been seeing positive change derived from years spent creating and fostering relationships with key district stakeholders.
What is one of your goals for 2022? One of my goals for 2022 is to obtain my educational specialist degree in educational leadership to become a building principal. I admire the building leadership in my district and aspire to continue fostering positive change in a building leadership role.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself that a teacher’s job is never truly finished in that there’s ALWAYS more you could do to help students. Because of that, it’s important to set boundaries so you can have a healthy work/life balance. Don’t stay after contract time every single day – there’s no award given for the most unpaid overtime.
Honorees not featured are:
Sarah Hines, Troy R-3
Denise Peters, St. Joseph
Linda Tankersley, Chadwick R-1
Rebecca Tindall, East Carter Co R-2
Rebecca Wright, Jefferson Co R-7